November   

Getting tired of eating the same old healthy foods? The cuisines from other countries can offer fun, interesting, and exciting healthy foods. Lisa and Patty spent time in Japan this year and will use this session to introduce you to a few delicious Japanese foods that are also easy to make! 

With jazz it’s not about what is played but how it is played. To illustrate the point, “Name That Tune” will introduce you to tunes you are probably familiar with played by a variety of jazz musicians and in a variety of styles. Participants will be asked to “Name That Tune,” after which they will learn more about the tune and the jazz artist who recorded it. The people who can name the most tunes during the four sessions will receive special prizes.

Find out what it takes to be selected on a jury. Drake law students will lead a jury selection class where participants learn about interacting with an entire jury panel, deciding who they would keep for a trial and who they would excuse.  Participants sit as potential jurors, are questioned by the students, and are either “selected” or “excused,” as potential jurors. 

Artificial Intelligence for Beginners: Beyond the Basics is designed specifically for people who are comfortable using ChatGPT for simple tasks—asking questions, getting information, writing emails, brainstorming ideas, and other everyday uses. It’s also the perfect next step for anyone who has taken Bill Mogolov’s Artificial Intelligence for Beginners OLLI class.

Don’t let the title fool you. This is not a highly technical or programming course. Everything is explained in plain English with step-by-step demonstrations, plenty of examples, and lots of opportunities to ask questions. If you already have a basic understanding of ChatGPT, you’re ready for this class.

During this fun, hands-on course, you’ll discover many of the amazing capabilities that most people never realize AI has. You’ll learn practical techniques that can save you time, make everyday tasks easier, and open up exciting new possibilities using ChatGPT and other leading AI tools.

As an added bonus, every participant receives free access to Bill Mogolov’s exclusive AI learning website, filled with articles, tutorials, videos, and helpful resources to continue learning long after the class ends. Participants will also receive free access to Bill’s two books: Artificial Intelligence for Beginners, ChatGPT: Beyond the Basics

Artificial Intelligence for Beginners: Beyond the Basics is designed specifically for people who are comfortable using ChatGPT for simple tasks—asking questions, getting information, writing emails, brainstorming ideas, and other everyday uses. It’s also the perfect next step for anyone who has taken Bill Mogolov’s Artificial Intelligence for Beginners OLLI class.

Don’t let the title fool you. This is not a highly technical or programming course. Everything is explained in plain English with step-by-step demonstrations, plenty of examples, and lots of opportunities to ask questions. If you already have a basic understanding of ChatGPT, you’re ready for this class.

During this fun, hands-on course, you’ll discover many of the amazing capabilities that most people never realize AI has. You’ll learn practical techniques that can save you time, make everyday tasks easier, and open up exciting new possibilities using ChatGPT and other leading AI tools.

As an added bonus, every participant receives free access to Bill Mogolov’s exclusive AI learning website, filled with articles, tutorials, videos, and helpful resources to continue learning long after the class ends. Participants will also receive free access to Bill’s two books: Artificial Intelligence for Beginners, ChatGPT: Beyond the Basics

This class will explore the elements of the film genre known as Film Noir through the examination of four quintessential examples: The Maltese Falcon (1941), Double Indemnity (1944), Out of the Past (1947), and Touch of Evil (1958). Particular attention will be paid to the similarities in direction, cinematography/lighting, and plot elements.

Have you heard of “The Grand Staircase?” The first step is the Grand Canyon and the last step is Bryce Canyon National Park.  Take a virtual tour through the five national parks that are part of this staircase (all in the southwest US), find out what is unique about its geology, and how this “Grand Staircase” was formed.

Have you heard of “The Grand Staircase?” The first step is the Grand Canyon and the last step is Bryce Canyon National Park.  Take a virtual tour through the five national parks that are part of this staircase (all in the southwest US), find out what is unique about its geology, and how this “Grand Staircase” was formed.

This is a three-part series of richly illustrated slide talks about the role of artists, designers, architects and others in the development of modern-era camouflage, beginning with World War One. Among the topics emphasized are: How animal coloration was adapted for military purposes. Why civilian professional artists (such as visual artists, architects, and theatre designers) were actively recruited to serve as camouflage experts. Why “dazzling” cubist-style designs were used as ship camouflage in both world wars. And the role of American women in camouflage. 

Also featured in the talks is a major exhibition at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC, titled Camouflage: Designed to Deceive. The instructor of this course was chosen to write the catalog introduction for that exhibition, and Kathryn Keane, the museum’s vice-president, will appear in one of the sessions.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 4–5 p.m, Wednesday, November 4

Directed by Terence Young and based on the novel by Ian Fleming, Dr. No introduced audiences to the cinematic adventures of James Bond. Sean Connery makes his debut as the suave British agent sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a colleague. His mission leads him to the mysterious scientist Dr. No, whose plan threatens American rocket launches. The film established many elements of the enduring Bond formula—exotic settings, stylish action, and memorable villains. A highlight is the iconic entrance of Honey Ryder, played by Ursula Andress. Its success launched one of the longest-running and most influential film franchises in cinema history.

Optional Zoom presentation with Carl Johnson at 4–5 p.m, Wednesday, November 4

Directed by Terence Young and based on the novel by Ian Fleming, Dr. No introduced audiences to the cinematic adventures of James Bond. Sean Connery makes his debut as the suave British agent sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of a colleague. His mission leads him to the mysterious scientist Dr. No, whose plan threatens American rocket launches. The film established many elements of the enduring Bond formula—exotic settings, stylish action, and memorable villains. A highlight is the iconic entrance of Honey Ryder, played by Ursula Andress. Its success launched one of the longest-running and most influential film franchises in cinema history.

Put on your dancing shoes or boots and join the Capital City Steppers of Des Moines. They are the premier Stepping and Soul Line Dance organization in the Des Moines area, offering a fun, healthy community atmosphere. Participants will learn 4-5 dances.

Join OLLI members for a Drake Jazz Ensemble performance led by Andrew Classen at the Turner Jazz Center. There will be a wine and cheese reception prior to the performance.

Andrew Classen is Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at Drake University. He is currently principal trumpet with Orchestra Iowa. He has played with numerous Broadway shows including: Wicked, Spamalot, Book of Mormon, Hairspray, Annie, Little Shop of Horrors, The Producers, Chicago (solo trumpet), The Full Monty, 42nd Street, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Andrew Classen became the inaugural holder of the Fred and Patty Turner Professorship in Jazz, thanks to a $1 million gift from Drake alumnus Fred Turner. He is the leader of the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra. Their first album is Class ‘n Jazz: The Music of Andy Classen. He received a bachelor in music education degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and a master of music degree in trumpet performance from the University of Tennessee.

Join OLLI members for a Drake Jazz Ensemble performance led by Andrew Classen at the Turner Jazz Center. There will be a wine and cheese reception prior to the performance.

Andrew Classen is Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at Drake University. He is currently principal trumpet with Orchestra Iowa. He has played with numerous Broadway shows including: Wicked, Spamalot, Book of Mormon, Hairspray, Annie, Little Shop of Horrors, The Producers, Chicago (solo trumpet), The Full Monty, 42nd Street, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Andrew Classen became the inaugural holder of the Fred and Patty Turner Professorship in Jazz, thanks to a $1 million gift from Drake alumnus Fred Turner. He is the leader of the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra. Their first album is Class ‘n Jazz: The Music of Andy Classen. He received a bachelor in music education degree from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and a master of music degree in trumpet performance from the University of Tennessee.

In 2023 I had the pleasure of doing three talks for OLLI at Drake where I shared different aspects of my life’s journey.  I so enjoyed that experience that I, with the support of a great friend, decided to write a book entitled Happy Now? Shattering the Myth of Happily Ever After. During this talk I will give an overview of my book as well as discussing the process, motivation, and rewards of the writing process. If you have ever considered writing a book please join me.  If you have never considered writing a book, you should also join! 

Founded in 1926 on the vision of Henry A. Wallace, Pioneer Hi-Bred began with the belief that science, innovation, and a deep understanding of farmers’ needs could transform agriculture. Through historical photos and video footage, this presentation celebrates 100 years of Pioneer and the enduring legacy the brand has built through scientific advancement, trusted relationships, and a commitment to progress. It traces Pioneer’s journey from its humble beginnings in central Iowa to its far-reaching impact on farming around the world, highlighting the people, innovations, and values that have shaped the company across generations.

Founded in 1926 on the vision of Henry A. Wallace, Pioneer Hi-Bred began with the belief that science, innovation, and a deep understanding of farmers’ needs could transform agriculture. Through historical photos and video footage, this presentation celebrates 100 years of Pioneer and the enduring legacy the brand has built through scientific advancement, trusted relationships, and a commitment to progress. It traces Pioneer’s journey from its humble beginnings in central Iowa to its far-reaching impact on farming around the world, highlighting the people, innovations, and values that have shaped the company across generations.

Attend Drake Law’s Mock Trials and participate as a juror or audience member. You may attend 1, 2, or 3 events. Each trial problem is different, so the same trial is not repeated. The law students are talented and you’ll be impressed by their advocacy. Please register for each session separately.

Session 1: Did you know that each state has its own AARP office? With over 300,000 members in Iowa and nearly 200 active volunteers, AARP Iowa is engaged directly in local, state, and federal issue advocacy; community outreach and educational programming; and fun activities that build social connections. This session will explore some exciting ways that AARP Iowa engages with your community. 

Session 2: Volunteering with AARP Iowa & Its Affiliates Think AARP Iowa volunteering is just events and presentations? Think again. From leading local events and speaking across the state to helping with tax preparation, teaching Driver Safety, or supporting life-changing Wish of a Lifetime experiences, there’s a role for nearly every interest and schedule. This session will give you a fast, engaging look at the full range of opportunities—both in-person and virtual—and help you find where you can make the biggest impact.

Session 1: Did you know that each state has its own AARP office? With over 300,000 members in Iowa and nearly 200 active volunteers, AARP Iowa is engaged directly in local, state, and federal issue advocacy; community outreach and educational programming; and fun activities that build social connections. This session will explore some exciting ways that AARP Iowa engages with your community. 

Session 2: Volunteering with AARP Iowa & Its Affiliates Think AARP Iowa volunteering is just events and presentations? Think again. From leading local events and speaking across the state to helping with tax preparation, teaching Driver Safety, or supporting life-changing Wish of a Lifetime experiences, there’s a role for nearly every interest and schedule. This session will give you a fast, engaging look at the full range of opportunities—both in-person and virtual—and help you find where you can make the biggest impact.

The Art History Capstone introduces students to the professional practice of curating by involving them in the preliminary research and planning of an on-campus exhibition or in its execution, including layout and installation. Come to the Anderson Gallery to hear directly from Drake students discussing their unique projects.

Author Carla Malden shares her personal writing journey from nonfiction to fiction, exploring the process of shaping real life into narrative. Malden will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the art of storytelling across genres while providing a deep dive into her work.

Carla Malden was raised in Los Angeles, and grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry. Her father was Academy Award-winning actor Karl Malden.

She attended UCLA where she majored in English and graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She began her career in motion picture production and development before segueing into screenwriting when she and her husband, Laurence Starkman, became a writing team. While working as a screenwriter, Carla co-wrote her father’s critically acclaimed autobiography, When Do I Start?

Following the death of her husband, Carla wrote After Image: A Brokenhearted Memoir of a Charmed Life, a fiercely personal account of the last year of his life and her first year without him.

Despite the pain of reliving that time, the process reminded Carla of the power and beauty of prose. She turned to fiction with Search Heartache (2019), followed by Shine Until Tomorrow (2021), and My Two And Only (2023) – well-received novels that diversely explored similar themes of women and girls overcoming loss and pain and finding new paths forward. Her latest novel, Playback, was released in August, 2025.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

Irish Literature of the twentieth century often evokes a rich sense of place and tradition. In this class, we will read and discuss short stories, poems, and a novel from the twentieth-century Irish tradition whose themes, characters, and/or plots are deeply ingrained in the landscape and history of the island. In addition to the literary texts included in the reading list, we will also examine visual representations of Ireland, in the form of photography, video, and painting to come to a richer appreciation of how land and tradition influence the works we read together.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

Irish Literature of the twentieth century often evokes a rich sense of place and tradition. In this class, we will read and discuss short stories, poems, and a novel from the twentieth-century Irish tradition whose themes, characters, and/or plots are deeply ingrained in the landscape and history of the island. In addition to the literary texts included in the reading list, we will also examine visual representations of Ireland, in the form of photography, video, and painting to come to a richer appreciation of how land and tradition influence the works we read together.

This class is offered in collaboration with Osher at William and Mary University.

It’s often said that two of the biggest obstacles affecting financial security in retirement are taxes and inflation. Since inflation is not something we can control, tax planning in retirement becomes more important. This course covers a number of important strategies for planning income in retirement with a focus on taxes. It includes strategies for a range of income and asset levels so everyone can benefit from attending regardless of wealth or income.

It’s often said that two of the biggest obstacles affecting financial security in retirement are taxes and inflation. Since inflation is not something we can control, tax planning in retirement becomes more important. This course covers a number of important strategies for planning income in retirement with a focus on taxes. It includes strategies for a range of income and asset levels so everyone can benefit from attending regardless of wealth or income.

Attend Drake Law’s Mock Trials and participate as a juror or audience member. You may attend 1, 2, or 3 events. Each trial problem is different, so the same trial is not repeated. The law students are talented and you’ll be impressed by their advocacy. Please register for each session separately.

Jessica Mazour returns with an update for OLLI members about carbon pipelines in Iowa. Her presentation will be right before the 2026 legislative session. ... For several years, Iowans across all political divides have joined together to stop the controversial Summit and Wolf Carbon Pipelines. Promoted as climate solutions and ethanol-lifesavers by the Carbon Capture and Storage industry; farmers, environmentalists and local governments have teamed up to protect the land, communities and futures of those along the proposed routes.

Jessica Mazour returns with an update for OLLI members about carbon pipelines in Iowa. Her presentation will be right before the 2026 legislative session. ... For several years, Iowans across all political divides have joined together to stop the controversial Summit and Wolf Carbon Pipelines. Promoted as climate solutions and ethanol-lifesavers by the Carbon Capture and Storage industry; farmers, environmentalists and local governments have teamed up to protect the land, communities and futures of those along the proposed routes.

Celebrate the reopening of the Iowa Jewish Heritage Museum as we mark our 30th anniversary with refreshed and new exhibitions. Discover the rich history of Jewish life in Iowa while exploring the traditions, culture, and contributions of Iowa’s Jewish community through engaging exhibits and stories.

Participants will also have the unique opportunity to hear directly from the Student-to-Student (STS) Program, an educational initiative that fosters understanding between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Through personal storytelling and interactive conversation, students share their experiences of Jewish life, helping to dispel myths and stereotypes while promoting respect, connection, and dialogue. This meaningful program encourages cultural understanding, develops young leaders, and helps reduce prejudice through authentic, person-to-person engagement.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to experience the museum’s new look, this program offers an inspiring opportunity to learn about Iowa’s Jewish heritage and the vibrant Jewish community that continues to shape our state.

 ** Participants purchase own food and drink

Test your knowledge about all things trivial pertaining to the 50s and 60s, and have a fun evening at The Cork in Johnston at the Johnston Town Center. Participants will work in teams for this fun event. Extra prize f

 ** Participants purchase own food and drink

Test your knowledge about all things trivial pertaining to the 50s and 60s, and have a fun evening at The Cork in Johnston at the Johnston Town Center. Participants will work in teams for this fun event. Extra prize f

Reception and presentation prior to performance.

Urinetown is a satirical musical with a book and lyrics by Greg Kotis and music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, which won three Tony Awards in 2001. Set in a dystopian future with a severe water shortage, it follows a revolution against a corrupt corporation that controls public restrooms, satirizing capitalism, social irresponsibility, and musical theater itself. The show, inspired by Kotis’s experience with “pay-to-pee” toilets in Europe, is known for its dark humor, clever songs, and surprisingly deep themes. 

Reception and presentation prior to performance.

Urinetown is a satirical musical with a book and lyrics by Greg Kotis and music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, which won three Tony Awards in 2001. Set in a dystopian future with a severe water shortage, it follows a revolution against a corrupt corporation that controls public restrooms, satirizing capitalism, social irresponsibility, and musical theater itself. The show, inspired by Kotis’s experience with “pay-to-pee” toilets in Europe, is known for its dark humor, clever songs, and surprisingly deep themes. 

Participants will be entertained by Ambassador Ken Quinn’s array of unusual but usually amusing vignettes from his global peregrinations that have taken him to over 80 countries, from Iowa to Indochina to Iran. With such intriguing titles as: “The ignominious death of a government bureaucrat;” “The only casualty of the Solar Eclipse;” and “Being fed to crocodiles on the Nile;” these short, short stories from his time as a Foreign Service Officer are designed to leave the audience smiling. However, he promises to weave in some accounts of much more serious life-threatening episodes such as narrowly averting capture by Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.

With deep roots in Dubuque and inspiration from President John F. Kennedy, in 1967 Ambassador Kenneth Quinn embarked on a 32-year career as a State Department Foreign Service Officer that included assignments in Vietnam, Vienna, the Philippines, and on Henry Kissinger’s staff at the White House, culminating with his service as American ambassador to Cambodia. In 1999 he returned home to Iowa to lead the World Food Prize for two decades, fulfilling the vision of Norman Borlaug and John Ruan by transforming it into the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.” Along the way, he accumulated an amazing array of engaging experiences that he has shared in previous OLLI classes with intriguing titles such as “The Forest Gump of Iowa,” and “The Humanitarian Legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray.”

Fridays, November 20, and December 4: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Participants will be entertained by Ambassador Ken Quinn’s array of unusual but usually amusing vignettes from his global peregrinations that have taken him to over 80 countries, from Iowa to Indochina to Iran. With such intriguing titles as: “The ignominious death of a government bureaucrat;” “The only casualty of the Solar Eclipse;” and “Being fed to crocodiles on the Nile;” these short, short stories from his time as a Foreign Service Officer are designed to leave the audience smiling. However, he promises to weave in some accounts of much more serious life-threatening episodes such as narrowly averting capture by Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia.

With deep roots in Dubuque and inspiration from President John F. Kennedy, in 1967 Ambassador Kenneth Quinn embarked on a 32-year career as a State Department Foreign Service Officer that included assignments in Vietnam, Vienna, the Philippines, and on Henry Kissinger’s staff at the White House, culminating with his service as American ambassador to Cambodia. In 1999 he returned home to Iowa to lead the World Food Prize for two decades, fulfilling the vision of Norman Borlaug and John Ruan by transforming it into the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.” Along the way, he accumulated an amazing array of engaging experiences that he has shared in previous OLLI classes with intriguing titles such as “The Forest Gump of Iowa,” and “The Humanitarian Legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray.”

Fridays, November 20, and December 4: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. 

One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. 

Attend Drake Law’s Mock Trials and participate as a juror or audience member. You may attend 1, 2, or 3 events. Each trial problem is different, so the same trial is not repeated. The law students are talented and you’ll be impressed by their advocacy. Please register for each session separately.

Step in and make an impact with Meals from the Heartland! As a volunteer, you’ll help package meals that feed families in local food pantries, offer critical support during natural disasters, and reach people facing severe hunger globally. Every hour you give helps nourish lives.

If you had to flee your home and go to a country in which you didn’t speak the language or know the culture, how would you feel and what would you do? In Polk County, immigrants and refugees will soon have a hub for critical services as they integrate into their new communities. Global Neighbors is designed to be a one-stop-shop for newcomers to access basic resources: English language and citizenship classes, career development guidance, driver education, and a Green Card clinic. Join us for an overview of Global Neighbors—one of Polk County’s newest projects aiming to provide integrative supports to newcomers. We will discuss community collaborations that highlight the importance of ethnic community-based organizations; and explore how to best provide comprehensive and holistic supports to all Polk County residents. Come prepared to share your ideas and thoughts as we build out Global Neighbors.

If you had to flee your home and go to a country in which you didn’t speak the language or know the culture, how would you feel and what would you do? In Polk County, immigrants and refugees will soon have a hub for critical services as they integrate into their new communities. Global Neighbors is designed to be a one-stop-shop for newcomers to access basic resources: English language and citizenship classes, career development guidance, driver education, and a Green Card clinic. Join us for an overview of Global Neighbors—one of Polk County’s newest projects aiming to provide integrative supports to newcomers. We will discuss community collaborations that highlight the importance of ethnic community-based organizations; and explore how to best provide comprehensive and holistic supports to all Polk County residents. Come prepared to share your ideas and thoughts as we build out Global Neighbors.